Let me tell you a story about how The Music Man became more than just a movie—it became a family affair. Shirley Jones, who played Marian the Librarian, was secretly pregnant with her second son, Patrick, during filming. Her oldest son, Shaun Cassidy, shares a hilarious memory: "My mom and Robert Preston were on that iconic footbridge singing, and suddenly Preston steps back, shocked. He says, ‘What the hell was that?’ My mom looks down and realizes it’s Patrick kicking Mr. Preston from inside her womb!" Can you imagine? That’s showbiz, folks!
Behind the Scenes: Casting Drama and Secret Pregnancies
Now, here’s the inside scoop on the making of this classic. Shirley’s pregnancy wasn’t exactly public knowledge at first. She kept it under wraps because she feared losing her job. But that wasn’t the only drama on set. Getting this beloved Broadway musical to the big screen wasn’t easy. Author Debra Warren, who penned Robert Preston: Forever the Music Man, spills the tea: “Even though Robert Preston was a Tony Award winner for The Music Man, Jack Warner wanted a big-name star.” Can you believe it? Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Dean Martin, and Cary Grant were all in the running for the role of Harold Hill. But Meredith Willson, the mastermind behind the musical, stood his ground: “Listen, unless you use Robert Preston, you don’t do my show.” And just like that, Preston landed the role.
Shirley Jones vs. Barbara Cook: The Battle for Marian
Now, let’s talk about Shirley Jones. The studio had the final say in casting Marian, and they chose Shirley over Barbara Cook, who had won a Tony for the role on Broadway. Debra Warren explains, “Barbara was devastated. But the studio wanted Shirley because of her Oscar win for Elmer Gantry in 1960.” Shirley was understandably nervous about stepping into Barbara’s shoes. “She feared being constantly compared to Barbara,” Warren continues. “But Robert Preston was nothing short of a gentleman. He never mentioned the Broadway production, and they became great friends.” Isn’t that the kind of teamwork we need in Hollywood?
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On-Set Adventures: Shaun Cassidy and Ron Howard
Shirley wasn’t the only one bringing family to set. She often brought her son Shaun Cassidy, who was just four years old at the time. Shaun recalls, “I learned to ride a bicycle on the set because this older kid, Ron Howard, was already zipping around on his bike. My mom got me a tricycle, and I started riding it, chasing after Ronnie.” Meanwhile, Ron Howard, who was playing Marian’s little brother Winthrop, had his own challenges. While he had natural acting talent, the singing and dancing scenes were tough for him. Debra Warren reveals, “In some of the dancing scenes, they only filmed him from the knees up!” Now that’s resourceful filmmaking!
A Timeless Classic: The Heart of The Music Man
Fast forward more than 60 years, and The Music Man is still a beloved classic. Why? Because it’s more than just a musical—it’s a story of hope and transformation. Debra Warren explains, “Meredith Willson wrote The Music Man as a love letter to America. It’s about redemption, love, and community. Harold Hill, the con man, finds his way. Marian transforms from a closed-off librarian to someone open to love. And the entire town evolves from a rigid place to a community where everyone gets along.” It’s no wonder this movie has stood the test of time.
